Review of 'The 7 1/2 deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
4½ stars.
Really good whodunit and an interesting take in the "repeat the same day over and over" trope. If you have played The Sexy Brutale you'll know what to expect.
Why then did I discounted ½ a star? Three main reasons.
First, because the author presented the book as a 1920's-1930's weekend-murder-on-an-English-mannor type of detective story, but the language used it's not quite there (it bothers me and jars me out of the suspension of disbelief. I'm funny that way). Nevertheless, at about chapter 6, I got used to it and enjoyed the rest of the book.
Second, as my sister said when she was almost finishing the book: 'Good twist in the plot, but now he (the author) is just wallowing in his own cleverness'. And she was right. There really are times when too much of a good thing is just too much (You'll know …
4½ stars.
Really good whodunit and an interesting take in the "repeat the same day over and over" trope. If you have played The Sexy Brutale you'll know what to expect.
Why then did I discounted ½ a star? Three main reasons.
First, because the author presented the book as a 1920's-1930's weekend-murder-on-an-English-mannor type of detective story, but the language used it's not quite there (it bothers me and jars me out of the suspension of disbelief. I'm funny that way). Nevertheless, at about chapter 6, I got used to it and enjoyed the rest of the book.
Second, as my sister said when she was almost finishing the book: 'Good twist in the plot, but now he (the author) is just wallowing in his own cleverness'. And she was right. There really are times when too much of a good thing is just too much (You'll know what I mean).
And third, this kind of whodunit must be perfectly executed, no plot holes should be visible, all loose ends should be tied with beautiful ribbons (or really strong knots), and sadly, this one is not perfect. Very close, but no.
Notwithstanding this is a very enjoyable book. I really recommend it! (and if you knew me, you'd know I generally tend to do the contrary, so that's plenty!).
